York approves construction of wastewater nutrient-recycling facility

York City Council last night approved the construction of a facility at the York Wastewater Treatment Plant that would convert phosphorus and other nutrients extracted from wastewater into fertilizer.

York officials have partnered with Vancouver-based Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc., who will to build the facility and recycle the nutrients. Ostara will sell the fertilizer it produces and share the revenue with the city. The facility is expected to begin operating in the spring.

The process is expected to increase the treatment plant’s capacity while reducing maintenance costs. York will pay Ostara a monthly fee for the removal of the nutrients and the operation and maintenance of the facility. The fee is expected to be less than what the city currently pays to chemically treat the wastewater.

The Manchester Township, York County-based plant provides wastewater services for more than 75,000 residents in York, Spring Garden Township, North York, West York, West Manchester Township, Manchester Township and York Township.